How to stay STRONG, LONG & LEAN during the holidays!

The holidays can be a challenging time for many women. Not only is the holiday season often stressful but tempting foods are everywhere. This year create a plan so you don’t gain weight, overeat, and still have fun with your friends and family during the holidays.

Try these secret tips for getting through the holidays without sabotaging your weight or your health goals!

Rethink Your Exercise Routine

It’s a common myth that intensive cardio is the best way to burn calories and keep the weight off. But instead of putting in extra hours on the treadmill the best way to stay strong and lean is with a regular strength training routine. Why? Strength training builds muscle and muscle increases your metabolism. Muscle tissue burns more calories than fat, even when you’re resting. This means your body will continue to burn extra calories long after you’re done exercising.

Strength training is also easy to do, even during a hectic holiday schedule. If you don’t have time to make it to the gym, get a kettlebell or resistance bands you can use at home. It’s easy to do bicep curls and tricep extensions while watching holiday movies or do squats and lunges in the kitchen while making dinner.

Get Enough Protein and Healthy Fat

Protein is necessary to help your body build muscle. Protein and fat also help keep you feeling full, so you’re less likely to snack on all of the tempting, holiday treats. Make sure every meal includes a source of quality protein and healthy fat. Good sources of healthy fat include nuts, seeds, olives, olive oil, avocados, and fish. So feel free to indulge in the smoked salmon at the next holiday party, but keep the sugary treats to a minimum.

Don’t Forget About Self-Care

The holidays are a stressful period for many people. This year, look for ways to simplify your holiday schedule and make sure you’re taking care of yourself. We often associate self-care with things like bubble baths or pedicures — and those things are great — but sometimes self-care can just mean taking some time out to relax or getting enough sleep. When you’re doing strength training, your muscles repair and recover when you’re at rest, so give yourself enough time to relax and recharge. It’s okay if you don’t attend every party or event! Schedule some time for activities that you find relaxing, whether that means relaxing with a book, watching holiday movies with the kids, or working on a creative project.